Analyze pressures often faced in adolescence, such as peer pressure, substance use and abuse, dating, sexuality, and changes within family relationships. Adolescents experience many social, emotional, and physical pressures as they develop- for example teens face peer pressure, bullying, and the temptation of drugs and alcohol, sexual activity, etc. The Limbic system (the part of the brain that controls sensations and emotions) grows throughout adolescence but the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls rational thinking and logic) is slow growing (Berger, 2011). In other words, teenagers enjoy experiencing intense sensations but often lack the ability to make logical decisions. This can lead to teenagers to engage in risky behaviors and give in to social pressures. As children grow they have to deal with many autonomous decisions and one of them is peer pressure. Other children will try to talk them into smoking, drinking, skipping school, or sex. Because adolescence are highly concerned with their peers they worry that other kids might make fun of them if they do not succumb to peer pressure The pressure to be like everyone else will influence some children to have their good judgment, or their common sense behind. It is only natural to listen to and learn from others. So by teaching children to have strong self-esteem helps them make better choices, even if their friends do not think that their choices are right ones. Parents can help their children how to present themselves in a positive way, and avoiding people who pick on them. When adolescents struggle with peer pressure, it is helpful if they have a positive role model or friend to talk to (Berger, 2011). Peer pressure can be difficult for some children, even cause suicide. Suicide among children in elementary school are estimated at 187 considered suicide, while 26 attempted suicides and one suicide completed which involved the children’s family life such as divorces followed by their...

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...Jordan LeBlanc
Professor Williams
English 1301
October 28, 2012
Causes and Effects of Peer Pressure
Peer pressure has a much greater effect on adolescent teens than any other factor. Think about it, teens spend more of their waking hours with peers than family members. The interaction is direct, and much more powerful than the influence of teachers and other authority figures. Peer pressure tends to have more of an effect on children with low self-esteem. If a child feels compelled to fit in, the teen may do things that go against his/her beliefs simply to be part of the group.
Peer pressure can lead to experimentation with drugs and alcohol, sex, skipping school, and various high risk behaviors. If there is a sudden change in child’s appearance, clothing, and attitude, especially if accompanied by secretive behavior, he or she may be succumbing to the influences of peers. Especially if there is a sudden change in the friends who make up their core peer group. An unexplained change in the type of friends the child associates with would indicate that the child is vulnerable to new influences that may not be positive.
How can parents who spend far less time with their children than do their peers, have an influence on their teens? Parents need to set clear expectations for behavior, establish rules about communicating where and with whom their teenagers are spending their time, and should pre-set...

...﻿Peer pressure is influence that a peer group, observers or individual exerts that encourages others to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform the group norms. Social groups affected include membership groups, in which individuals are "formally" members (such as political parties and trade unions), or socialcliques in which membership is not clearly defined. A person affected by peer pressure may or may not want to belong to these groups. They may also recognizedissociative groups with which they would not wish to associate, and thus they behave adversely concerning that group's behaviors.
In Youth
Peers become an important influence on behavior during adolescence, and peer pressure has been called a hallmark of adolescent experience.[1][2] Peer conformity in young people is most pronounced with respect to style, taste, appearance, ideology, and values.[3] Peer pressure is commonly associated with episodes of adolescent risk taking (such as delinquency, drug abuse, sexual behaviors,[4] and reckless driving) because these activities commonly occur in the company of peers.[2] Affiliation with friends who engage in risk behaviors has been shown to be a strong predictor of an adolescent's own behavior.[5] Peer pressure can also have positive effects when youth are pressured by their peers toward positive behavior, such as volunteering for charity [6] or excelling in academics.[7] The...

...Bring on the PressurePressure is a common cause of suffering in teenagers. In Dr. Gott’s article, Pressures Getting to Teen, he exposes the answers of how and why these demands can burden a teenager. There are two kinds of pressures, internal and external. There are many results on how teens are effected by internal and external pressure. Dr. Gott also explains tricks on how to cope when a heavy load is put on a person shoulders. Although many people believe when the pressure is on there is nothing to do, but in reality there is many ways to deal with the strain.
There are two kinds of pressures, internal and external. Internal pressure is inner motivation to do something. In Dr. Gott’s article, he mentioned organization, self motivation, and freedom of choice being internal pressures. Organization or time management is a persons way to arrange there day to do things. Without good organization, people tend to wait until the last minute to do homework or to study and they end up breaking under pressure. An example of self motivation is a test coming up and you tell yourself to study or you’ll fail. That is an example of good internal pressure because it stresses a teen to get their work done. Freedom of choice is an internal pressure that allows a teen to make a decision and have the easy...

...Analyze This
Analyze This is a hilarious, feel good movie about two men from different backgrounds living completely opposite lifestyles. Through a series of very funny, random and bizarre moments they form a memorable friendship together. The movie came to theatres in 1999, was directed by Harold Ramis and included a cast full of some of Hollywood’s brightest stars. It begins with two gangsters leaving a café, discussing their plans to attend a meeting involving the countries major crime bosses. One gangster goes back in the café to get a toothpick and at the same time the other gangster is killed from a drive-by shooting. The movie’s plot is based upon the surviving gangster seeking out a psychiatrist to help with his emotional distress and out of control lifestyle. Throughout the movie the relationship between doctor and gangster represent an example of a dyadic coalition, both characters form a relationship based on achieving a mutually desired goal (ch. 1, pg. 5). The same year that Analyze This showed its audience a new perception of organized crime figures, the HBO hit show The Sopranos also gained much of its success from the same formula.
Paul Vitti (Robert DeNiro) is suffering from recurring chest pains that happen suddenly and for no reason. Worried it could be signs of a heart attack he goes to the hospital with his right hand man Jelly (Joe Viterelli) to get a diagnosis. The doctor tells Vitti that his...

...Peers become an important influence on behavior during adolescence, and peer pressure has been called a hallmark of adolescent experience.[1][2] Peer conformity in young people is most pronounced with respect to style, taste, appearance, ideology, and values.[3] Peer pressure is commonly associated with episodes of adolescent risk taking (such as delinquency, drug abuse, sexual behaviors,[4] and reckless driving) because these activities commonly occur in the company of peers.[2] Affiliation with friends who engage in risk behaviors has been shown to be a strong predictor of an adolescent's own behavior.[5] Peer pressure can also have positive effects when youth are pressured by their peers toward positive behavior, such as volunteering for charity [6] or excelling in academics.[7] The importance of peers declines upon entering adulthood.[8]
While socially accepted kids often have the most opportunities and the most positive experiences, research shows that being in the popular crowd may also be a risk factor for mild to moderate deviant behavior.[citation needed] Popular adolescents are the most socialized into their peer groups and thus are vulnerable to peer pressures, such as behaviors usually reserved for those of a greater maturity and understanding. Socially accepted kids are often accepted for the sheer fact that they conform well to the norms of teen culture, good and bad aspects included. Popular...

...Peer Pressure
What is peer pressure?
Adolescents often times deal with pressures from homework, love, money, parents and teachers. However, one of the things that pressures us the most is how to fit in with our peers. We call it peer pressure. Simple enough, it is exactly what it says  pressures from your peers. Peer pressure is when you do something either because they have persuaded you or because all your peers are doing it. Do you remember the last time your parents declined your requests, and you said something like "But everybody has it" or "But everybody does that"? When you say that, you are really saying that you want to fit in with your peers. Parents and youngsters often use the idea of peer pressures to explain the way teenagers behave. Sometimes, it is an excuse for teens to do things they know they shouldn't be doing.
Peer groups
Peer groups are groups of friends who are about your same age. A peer can be anyone you looked up to or someone who has the same ability. A peer could be a school mate, friend, neighbor or even someone on TV. Peer groups play a very important and influential role in adolescents' life. They offer sense of independence from parents. They make you feel good and confident. They offer you information you want on top of their acceptance and approval. Sometimes, it would be easier to conform and do...

...Good peer pressure, on the other hand, is being pushed into something that you didn't have the courage to do or just didn't cross your mind to do.
Some people say that good peer pressure is when you get pushed into something that you didn't want to do and it turned out well. Well, this may be nice, but ask yourself this question: how do you know "ahead of time" whether what you are doing will turn out good or bad? Can you? Most people can't, but if you can, your problems may be solved!
Respected judges and dear friends,
I greatly appreciate the opportunity given to me to debate on the subject of peer pressure. I am against the statement that peer pressure is more beneficial than harmful. My position is that peer pressure is definitely more harmful than it is beneficial and I would love to present some compelling statistics that lend credence to my position.
But first, what is peer pressure? By definition, it is pressure from one's peers to behave in a manner similar or acceptable to them. By definition, it doesn't have any positive or negative connotations associated with it.
While peer pressure comes in all stages of life, it is most common in adolescents so allow me to focus my attention on this particular group. Teenagers are highly conscious about their images and are constantly worried about what others think of them and whether they fit in...

...No. 104 June 2012 Peer Pressure
Peers play a large role in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents. Their influence begins at an early age and increases through the teenage years. It is natural, healthy and important for children to have and rely on friends as they grow and mature.
Peers can be positive and supportive. They can help each other develop new skills, or stimulate interest in books, music or extracurricular activities.
However, peers can also have a negative influence. They can encourage each other to skip classes, steal, cheat, use drugs or alcohol, or become involve in other risky behaviors. The majority of teens with substance abuse problems began using drugs or alcohol as a result of peer pressure.
Kids often give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in. They want to be liked and they worry that they may be left out or made fun of if they don’t go along with the group.
The following are some tips to help kids deal with peer pressure:
• Stay away from peers who pressure you to do things that seem wrong or dangerous.
• Learn how to say “no,” and practice how to avoid or get out of situations which feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
• Spend time with other kids who resist peer pressure. It helps to have at least one friend who is also willing to say “no.”
• If you have problems with peer pressure, talk to a grown up you trust,...